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The Leland Chain of Hotels. 



OCEAN HOTEL, 



Long Branch. 



STURTEVANT HOUSE, 



Nkvv York. 



DELAVAN HOUSE, 



Albany. 



CLARENDON HOTEL, 



Saratoga. 



LELAND HOTEL, 



Springfield, III. 



PALACE HOTEL, 



San Francisco. 



DEDICATOKY. 

The author of this work, when six years of age, 
was, with his father's family, among the first of the 
guests of the Clinton Hotel, kept by the Lelands, in 
Beekman Street, New York. At various times since that 
period (1844-5) he has enjoyed the home comforts of the 
several Leland Hotels. From those early days of child- 
hood, and throughout all the subsequent years, his 
social and business intercourse with all the members of 
the Leland family has been of the most cordial and 
pleasant nature, and recollections of happy occurrences 
brighten each page of annual memory. This family and 
business sketch, composed during his midsummer vaca- 
tion, is respectfully dedicated to the memory of : 

Simeon Leland, 1st, 
(The ancestor of the hotel family), and to his sons : 

Aaron P. Leland, 
And to the memory of Simeon Leland, 2d, 

William W. Leland, 

Charles Leland, 

Warren Leland, 

And to the third hotel generation : 
Lewis Leland, 
Horace S. Leland, 
George S. Leland, 
Jerome Leland, 
Charles E. Leland, 
Warren F. Leland, 
Warren Leland, Jr., 
Simeon Leland, Jr., 
Frederick Leland, 

Van Leland, 

» 
With the sincerest regards of 

Augustus St. Clair. 
Long Branch, ) «*- 

and [August, 1877. 

SARATOGA, \ 

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THE LELAND8 



AMEEICAN HOTELS. 

The hotels in the United States are superior to all 
others in the world. This is a fact acknowledged not 
only by the people of our country, but also by all who 
have visited here from abroad. The excellence of our 
American system for perfect discipline, thorough com- 
fort, and complete satisfaction, surpasses all others. 
Although there are exceptions to be noted among the 
numerous instances, where the defects of some public 
houses of small size and minor importance are some- 
what glaring, the large inns can seldom be complained 
of. But, taking into account the sum total of all such 
imperfections, our country stands unrivaled in its 
facilities for furnishing the best hotel entertainment for 
the traveling public and permanent guests. 

There are many and varied ways, means and places 
of existence. The family home, the boarding house, on 
shipboard, in camp and "nowhere," maybe epitomized 
as the list in the story of human life. Necessity as well 
as choice, determines or influences the lot of every one. 
Families sometimes cannot, and often do not desire to, 
maintain private establishments with all the indispensa- 
ble weight of care and anxiety. Single persons rarely 
have inclination for lonely housekeeping. 

Those of unsettled or irregular business habits and 
duties, depend upon public houses for a residence. The 
boarding house provides for a limited number and cer- 
tain class only. The hotel is a general refuge, tern 
porary accommodation, or a home for all. To properly 
conduct a boarding house is an undertaking full of dif- 
ficulties, and is seldom satisfactorily accomplished. But 
to conduct a large, first-class hotel, is an enterprise that 
requires an exceptional business capacity. 

To succeed as a landlord is a gift, that few are endowed 
with. The profession of hotel keeping may be followed 



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THE LELANDS. 



to the decree of mediocrity or to that of supreme excel- 
lence. The host who has attained the highest mark m 
his calling, has a skill and a science that deserves recog- 
nition as one of the fine arts. It is not merely a busi- 
ness qualification in the ordinary sense, it is a scientific 
accomplishment. Nor is it an acquired attainment. 
There undoubtedly is something inherent and heredi- 
tary, some natural power and constitutional transmission 
of peculiar qualities from father to son, and from gene- 
ration to generation. In fact, a complete mastery of 
the art of managing for, and catering to, the wants, the 
tastes, the expectations, the whims, and to the satisfac- 
tion of all classes and all dispositions, can rarely if ever 
be obtained by any one man in the course of a lifetime. 
Facts and figures abundantly prove it. 

There are numerous illustrations of the permanence of 
this business in families, but rarely can it be traced 
further than the second generation, and yet more sel- 
dom can instances be mentioned where it continues and 
grows throughout different branches of a family. 

It is, therefore, a novelty in the history of the busi- 
ness to note an exception. Without in the least de- 
tracting from the merits of others, it is a pleasure to 
refer to an extraordinary example, which, as a matter 
of fact, is unparalleled in the annals of this or any other 
country. 

The Leland family are universally recognized as the 
most celebrated in their profession. They hold the po- 
sition, not only by personal merit, but also by ancestral 
prestige, as the leading members of the hotel-keeping 
business throughout the world. The extensiveness of 
their operations, the perfection of their arrangements 
and their general popularity in every respect, have won 
and yet wins this verdict of popular approval. From 
a humble beginning in a remote country tavern among 
the Green Mountains of Vermont, they have grown on 
and branched out through four generations from father 
to son, and to nephews, cousins and grandchildren, from 
town to city, and State to State ; in the metropolis, the 
capitals, the watering-places, the Pacific and Atlantic 
Ocean shores, their name and fame have become known 
throughout the American and European nations. To 
attempt anything like a complete personal sketch would 
be to undertake a centennial span of biography. It will 
be sufficient to the present purpose to allude generally 
3 



THE LEIANDS. 

to the most prominent points of their genealogical, pro- 
fessional and business history. 

The Leland family are of English descent, their 
ancestry being traceable back as far as John Leland, 
who was bom in London abo ut th e year 1512. He flour- 
ished in the reign of Henry "VJJLL , and was one of the 
most accomplished scholars and voluminous writers of 
the sixteenth century. In his brief career of forty years 
his advancement was surprisingly rapid, and his distinc- 
tion in the kingdom was great. He became a favorite of 
the reigning monarch, who conferred upon him many 
honors and magnificent gifts. 

The Bodleian Library in London contains a large col- 
lection of his literary works. The genealogical line 
thence embraces many names of illustrious scholars, 
successful merchants, and men of note. Lieutenant 
Governor Aaron Leland, who had his descent from 
Henry Leland, the Pilgrim father of the Leland family 
in America, was born in Holliston, Mass., May 28th, 
1761. He possessed no greater advantages of education 
than were afforded by the common schools of Massa- 
chusetts before the Revolution ; but a naturally vigor- 
ous mind, devotedly applied to the means of self -culture 
within his reach, compensated in a measure for a regu- 
lar course of theological studies, now considered so 
indispensable to a minister of the Gospel. He became a 
member of the Baptist faith in 1785, and two years sub- 
sequently was ordained and assumed pastoral charge of 
the church in Chester, Vermont. His heart was in the 
cause he espoused, and it was the chief object of his 
protracted life to administer the consolations of the 
Christian religion to all who came within his influence. 
At the time of his settlement in Chester the country was 
new, the church had been but recently organized, and 
he was its first pastor. Very few of the church mem- 
bers were in better worldly circumstances than their 
preacher, who ministered to them without salary. The 
universal esteem in which he was held by his fellow- 
citizens led to his nomination, and election by a large 
majority, to the office of town clerk. Shortly afterward 
he was- elected a member of the Assembly, and ably 
represented his people in the State Legislature, to which 
he was re-elected during many successive years. He 
became a leader of that body and served as speaker of 
the House from 1804 until 1809. 



THE IiELANDS. 

In 1822, lie became the popular and successful candi- 
date for lieutenant governor, which honor he enjoyed 
to his own and his constituents' credit during six succes- 
sive terms. Until this time his civil offices had not 
interrupted his services in the pulpit ; but when in 1828 
he was proposed as a candidate for governor he realized 
that the long relationship with his pastoral charge must 
cease or that he must relinquish all civil service. After 
considerable reflection, he yielded to the impulses^ of 
his heart, and as he believed to the paramount require- 
ments of his divine Master, whose minister he was, and 
consequently caused his name to be withdrawn from the 
canvass. 

Mr. Aaron Leland possessed in an eminent degree 
the qualities that constitute a successful extemporaneous 
speaker — a powerful cast of mind, quick perceptive and 
large comparing faculties, and during a period of over 
forty-six years of ministerial labor he never made use 
of written sermons. He was an agreeable companion, 
an earnest and liberal Christian, an enterprising citizen, 
and a man of exalted integrity. From 1800 to 1832 he 
was one of the Fellows of Middlebury College, Yermont. 
That institution conferred upon him the honorary 
degree of Master of Arts in 1814, and he received a sim- 
ilar degree from Brown University, 1815. He died in 
1832. 

In this direct lineage came the founders of the great- 
est family of hotel keepers on the American continent. 
Simeon Leland, the brother of Aaron (the lieutenant 
governor and preacher), was the landlord of the "Green 
Mountain Coffee House," at Landgrove, Bennington 
County, Vermont, and established the first line of 
coaches that carried the United States mail over the 
Green Mountains in 1818, and also inaugurated the first 
coach lines from Nashua, N. H., to Troy and Saratoga, 
N. Y., and from Hartford, Conn., to Haverhill, N. H. 
At the same period another brother, Alexander, was the 
proprietor of the Chester Hotel, at Chester, Vermont, 
the headquarters of all these lines of coaches. 

Those were the flourishing days of the great Whig 
party, of which he was a zealous and active partizan. 
Simeon Leland was an intimate personal friend as well as 
an enthusiastic admirer of Henry Clay and Daniel Web- 
ster, and was an indefatigable worker in the electioneer- 
ing campaigns of his district. His natural gift for 



THE UPLANDS. 



oratory, doubtless inherited from his father, made him 
a great favorite with the public, and his abilities on the 
stump as well as in the caucus were called in constant 
requisition.- During the sessions of Congress he was 
frequently at the national capitol in his own and his 
State's interests. 

He was a remarkably versatile character, being a 
very successful mail-contractor, an enterprising mer- 
chant, and a prosperous manufacturer of woolen goods. 
Alexander Leland was the father of Mr. Yan Leland, 
arising gentleman in the hotel business, who com- 
menced his publican career in charge of the Grand 
Union Hotel store room, at Saratoga, at that time man- 
aged by his cousins, Messrs. Charles and Warren Leland. 
Since that period he has steadily progressed in his pro- 
fession, »and now occupies the responsible position of 
steward at the Palace Hotel, San Francisco, affd also at 
the Ocean Hotel, Long Branch. 

In the parlor of the Sturtevant House, New York,, 
among other fine works of art, there is a fine oil paint- 
ing of the old tavern and Leland homestead at Land- 
grove, Vermont, as it appeared in 1818. 

This is the birthplace of all the children of Simeon 
1st and Aaron P. Leland, his son, and is now owned 
by Lewis Leland, of the Sturtevant House, New York. 

This is the starting point of their family hotel career, 
which has had its course through more than three score 
and ten years. The picture is admirably painted, and 
represents a charming pastoral scene amidst those pic- 
turesque hills. Through the centre of this lovely dis- 
trict the main post road winds its way gracefully oyer 
the slopes and down to the distant ravine, on either side 
of which cluster cozy-looking farm-houses with their 
barns, granaries and outbuildings. Toward the north- 
ern rise of the hill-side is the old time hostelry, a long 
two-story building, covered with the ancient style of 
shingled roof, and having along its entire front a 
sheltered piazza. The first floor is divided mto bar, 
parlor, kitchen and dining and sleeping rooms, with 
low windows and small window panes, through which 
there is an almost uninterrupted and sweeping view of 
beautiful vallevs and forests of luxuriant foliage. 

The second "floor was ordinarily devoted to lodging 
purposes, and its spacious size made it admirably 
adapted for use as a ball room on special and festive 



THE LELAND S. 

occasions. Its ancient style of spring floor has often 
yielded to the pressure of many tripping feet, and the 
merry dancers, oblivious of time, were wont to tarry 
later in the early dawn than the stars could twinkle. 

Many a pleasant reminiscence lingers yet in the 
memory of the oldest inhabitants, whose early days 
were gilded with the passing glamour of an occasional 
" night of it " at a country ball. The massive chimneys 
with their huge fire-places could tell (if they could 
only speak) of countless memories of the past, of the 
evening fireside chat, and may be the political discus- 
sion of the times, of the latest news by the mail or the 
social gossip of that remote mountain. On the piazza 
the idlers and dwellers would gather regularly to 
witness the great event of each day — the arrival and 
departure of the mail coach. Near by meandered the 
babbling waters of the brook — clear, cool and glistening 
in the sunshine by day, and gleaming in the starlight 
or moonbeams by night. The great barns loom up in 
proportions suggestive of ample harvests from the well 
tilled soil. In the meadows sleek and fat cattle graze 
with an air of supreme content and perfect plenty. The 
horizon seems almost to touch the tree tops, which 
waver like a fringe or border of emerald velvet standing 
in soft relief against the clear, blue sky. 

It is interesting to digress a little from the main sub- 
ject, to remark, that in addition to the Leland family, 
the State of Vermont has produced several other emi- 
nently successful hotel keepers, of whom may be 
mentioned the names of Paran Stevens, A. B. Darling, John 
and D. D. Howard, and Thomas Winchester. 

Simeon Leland had five sons, viz. : Aaron P., Simeon, 
William W. , Charles, and Warren. 

Their Green Mountain home was the abode of peace, 
love and plenty. The social and political popularity of 
their father, his great business prosperity, and his noble 
private character, was an example that did not fail to 
impress them. The loveliness of disposition, kindly 
traits, and pure influences of their mother, added to 
their home advantages of refinement, integrity, and am- 
bition. They thus learned from their earlier years to 
appreciate the precepts and examples so worthily 
placed before them. 

In his young manhood, Simeon Leland, Jr., became 
anxious to engage in business in another locality, where 



THE LEIiANDS. 

his active mind could find a wider field for enterprise. 
He left the paternal roof and went to Brattleboro, Ver- 
mont, with Colonel P. Chase, of the Stage House. Soon 
after, his brother, Wm. W. Leland, came to New York, 
and commenced in the Astor House, in 1838, to learn the 
hotel business. During the following year he persuaded. 
Simeon to come to New York, and he (Simeon) became 
clerk of the Clinton Hotel, then kept by Mr. Preston 
Hodges. The glowing letters written home by Simeon 
and William, wherein they described the great field of 
city enterprise, fired the mind of Charles, who soon 
after (in 1841) came to New York, and went at once to 
the Caiieton House, kept by Benson & Hodges. This 
was the leading hotel of that day, and entertained some 
of the most distinguished personages who visited the 
city, including Charles Dickens, and many others from 
abroad. In a brief space of time Mr. Charles Leland 
completely mastered all the knowledge of the hotel bus- 
iness, and became manager of the Bond Street Hotel, 
where his brother "Warren soon joined him. Now the lads 
had all left home, and except Aaron P. , were engaged 
in the hotel business. Their progress was steady and 
rapid. 

In 1845 Simeon Leland, Jr., bought out the interest 
of Mr. Hodges, in the Clinton Hotel, and continued 
there prosperously. In 1850, Charles and Warren, by 
purchase, succeeded to the proprietorship. The loca- 
tion of this hotel was in Beekman Street, between Park 
Bow and Nassau Street, and adjoining Theatre Alley, 
which led to the rear of the then celebrated playhouse 
known as the Park Theatre, fronting on Park Bow. 
Directly opposite the hotel in the triangular plot was the 
old Brick Presbyterian Church, surrounded by narrow 
grass plats, and sheltered by tall shade trees. The Rev 
Dr. Gardiner Spring, who for many years was its vener- 
ated pastor, was accustomed at the close of the morning 
services to enjoy the luxuries of the Sunday dinner, and 
afterward rest from the labors of the day, at this hotel. 
The Lelands have always made their Sunday dinners a 
special and extraordinary feature, and this is one of the 
numerous points of excellence of their hotels. 

The Lelands soon became popular with their guests, 
and were not long in making their name famous in the 
community and to travelers who became their guests. 
from all parts of the country as well as from abroad. 



THE LELANDS. 

They were emphatically working men. and everything 
pertaining to the wants and tastes of their customers 
received- their personal attention. It has been the 
peculiar trait of this family to allow not the slightest 
details in the management of their houses to escape 
their immediate supervision, and whether their guests 
numbered one hundred or one thousand, every depart- 
ment of the household, although generally cared for by 
subordinates, was and now is under their. constant scru- 
tiny. Nothing is intrusted solely to assistants, but 
everything is daily and almost hourly inspected by 
them in person. By such a system any dereliction of 
duty on the part of servants is detected and remedied at 
once, and guests rarely have any occasion to bring com- 
plaints to the office* This evidence of energy and 
carefulness needs no comment except that shown in the 
natural consequence — success. 

Now the Lelands were not sluggards, nor were they 
content in seeing their hotel run on in the time-worn rut 
of by-gone days. Whenever there was a chance for im- 
provement they never hesitated to seize the opportunity, 
but went ahead as soon as they could realize any new 
and practical reform. An illustration of this may be 
noted. In those days prevailed the old-fashioned style 
of having meals at certain precise hours announced by 
a terrible ding-dong of the bell or the infernal banging 
of the gong. At half -past five in the morning the guests 
were awakened, whether it was agreeable or not. The 
halls resounded with a fiendish racket, and sleepers, 
especially those of delicate nerves, had their slumbers 
outraged long before their natural requirements of rest 
were satisfied. At dinner and supper time the frightful 
hullabaloo was repeated, and there was no escape from 
it. Guests might sometimes scold and swear, but took 
it as an unavoidable necessity and became resigned. If 
complaints were made at the office, the stereotyped 
answer of the clerk would be : "Sorry, but it's the 
rule of the house. Can't be helped ; folks must be called 
to meals." 

On one occasion, however, an incident occurred that 
may have led to the final abolishment of the nuisance. 
Pompey, a colored servant, of huge embonpoint of figure, 
began his customary matutinal task of arousing the 
guests for the morning meal. He pounded and banged 
the gong with his wonted energy, until the air seemed 



THE LELANDS. 

to be splitting with the hideous din. One of the star- 
tled guests yelled and cursed for the noise to cease, but 
Pomp had his ears too full to take it in. Then a door 
opened and a gaunt, raw-boned form appeared in night 
cap and dress, with mouth open, emitting profane 
expletives mingled with terrific shouts. Pomp occa- 
sionally had experienced similar remonstrances, but was 
scarcely prepared for the sequel. He turned his back and 
went on in the discharge of his duty, vigorously pun- 
ishing the gong and redoubling its fiendish roar. Two 
boots and a pillow shot past his head, but he saw their 
coming shadows and ducked, pounding and banging 
away like a hero. The next instant he was seized with 
an iron grip, the instrument of torture wrenched from 
his hand and sent flying through the hall window on 
Beekman Street, and himself unceremoniously tumbled 
down-stairs. The amazed clerk sprang up the staircase 
to le?.rn the cause of the phenomenon, but only caught 
a passing glimpse of a tall, gaunt form draped in flap- 
ping muslin, disappearing in the door of fifty-two, which 
shmmed shut, as from within was heard the exclama- 
tion : "I don't care a d — n if I have killed the black 
devil and smashed his cursed hell box !" 

Of course there was great excitement, and the offend- 
ing guest was obliged to leave the house. But shortly 
afterward the gong was abolished, guests came to their 
meals at certain hours by their own watches, and what 
was a great innovation then, napkins were introduced, 
and single round tables for small parties or families 
were provided, instead of the great, long table. This 
hotel was quite limited in size, having but a hundred 
rooms, and accommodating about one hundred and fifty 
guests. Hotel life was then very plain and homely com- 
pared with its present luxurious style, and an ordinary- 
man with clever habits had no trouble in "running a 
hotel." 

The Lelands revolutionized all this, and, in fact, went 
ahead so fast that their neighbors in the business stood 
fairly aghast in astonishment. They predicted certain 
failure and ruin, because the public would not pay suffi- 
ciently to warrant the so-called extravagant outlay. Bub 
not at all undaunted, the Lelands, knowing they were 
right, went ahead. 

In 1852, the four brothers : Simeon, William, Charles, 
and Warren, opened the Metropolitan Hotel on Broad- 
10 



THE LELANDS. 

way, on a scale of grandeur and magnificence previously 
unknown in this country. The fame of this house, and 
of its management, went all over the world. The most 
eminent, wealthy and distinguished personages of our 
own and foreign nations, when passing through New 
York, made the Metropolitan their temporary home. 
The grandest political and society dinners were given 
there, for the Leland name was indispensable to the 
eclat of any important occasion. 

The location of the Metropolitan was then considered 
"way up town," as far from the business portion of the 
city as the Windsor now is. They there introduced the 
great features which have since been adopted by all 
first-class landlords, and which make American hotels 
superior to any in the world. > The gong was an 
abolished nuisance, and thousands rejoiced to escape the 
peril of being crazed by its diabolical orgies. It was 
silenced for ever in all respectable hostelries. Another 
innovation they made there was to provide meals from 
six o'clock in the morning until midnight, and to intro- 
duce orchestral music at dinner. This hotel was from 
its time of opening liberally patronized, and attained 
world-wide popularity. It was an immense house, but 
was carried on in every detail with all the regularity, 
quietness and perfection that could pertain to the best- 
rnanaged private residence. It Avas the favorite resort 
of royalty, nobility, and the distinguished and honored 
foreigners who visited the great American commercial 
city. 

In this hotel all the nephews, who have since ad- 
vanced severally to professional fame and prosperity, 
received their business education. 

Charles and Warren Leland next advanced in the line 
of enterprise by building the Grand Union Hotel, at 
Saratoga, New York. This will ever be a monument of 
their genius, eminent success and business capacity. It is 
the largest, most magnificent, and elaborate watering 
place hotel in the world. 

Warren Leland subsequently, under the auspices of 
the late William C. Ralston and Senator Wilham Sharon, 
built the great Palace Hotel, at San Francisco, Cal., 
a stupendous undertaking that was pushed to a success- 
ful completion. This is the largest hotel on the face 
of the globe, and a correct description of its exterior 
and interior, with all the details of arrangements, fur- 
11 



T HK LELAND8. 

nishing and ornamentation, reads more like a fairy Ue 
than a story of reality. 

Charles Leland, his brother, and Warren Leland, Jr., 
conduct the Ocean Hotel, at Long Branch, the largest 
and best of the hotels at that leading seaside resort ol 
America. 

Major William W. Leland, brother of Warren and 
Charles, has long been prominent in his profession. In 
1858 he went to Cleveland, Ohio, where he embarked 
his capital in the shipping business, with large success. 

He was actively associated with his brothers, Simeon, 
Warren, and Charles, especially in the prosperity of the 
Metropolitan Hotel, New York, where he was the most 
entertaining conversationalist, and a living library and 
directory in himself for all possible information a guest 
could want. He was the Beau Brummel of the parlors 
and a lively, indefatigable, progressive spirit in and out 
of the house, and the life of the. drawing and ball rooms. 
He subsequently presided over the Grand Central Ho- 
tel, opposite Congress Spring Park, Saratoga, a model 
hotel in every particular. Later he became proprie- 
tor of the Eutaw House, at Baltimore, a splendidly 
equipped, and, it is needless to say, a superbly kept 
house, and afterward managed the Belmont Hotel 
during the Centennial season, at Philadelphia. 

Subsequently he became engaged in a contract to 
raise the sunken ships in the harbor of Sebastopol, and 
at present is traveling in Southern California. 

During the late civil war he was actively engaged in 
the commissary department of General Grant's army, 
and served in that capacity with distinguished ability 
through the Western campaigns, including Shiloh, 
Donelson, etc. 

Aaron P. Leland, the eldest, who was of the same 
political faith as his father, was extensively engaged as 
proprietor of mail coaches, and as a mail contractor. 
In 1858 he removed from Vermont to Newburgh, Ohio, 
where he is now occupied in farming and stock-raising. 
His six sons are : Lewis, Horace S. , George S. , Jerome, 
Charles E., and Warren F., all of whom are engaged in 
the hotel business. 

Simeon Leland died in 1872. Of all the princely 
landlords in America, he was the acknowledged Pre- 
mier. Endowed with natural gifts of a high order, 
possessed of an elegant personal presence, with all the 
12 



THE INLANDS. 



graces and accomplishments of a thoroughbred gentle- 
man, he left a bright example for his children to 
emulate and honor. His widow, and their seven chil- 
dren, reside in their elegant homestead, at New Eochelle, 
.New York, except the son Simeon, Jr., who is room 
clerk, at the Clarendon Hotel, Saratoga, and Frederick 
who is assistant clerk at the Delavan House, Albany' 
New York. " ' 

The Lelands are now the leading hotel proprietors in 
the United States, and their Leland chain of first-class 
hotels extends across the continent, from the Atlantic 
Ocean, at Long Branch, to the Pacific Ocean, at San 
Francisco. 

Lewis and George S. are the proprietors of the Sturte- 
vant House, on Broadway and Twenty-ninth Street, New 
York. It is a large, well-regulated house, popular with 
ail classes, and especially a favorite resort for army and 
navy officers. Jerome, who formerly (in 1862) was 
with Lewis, in keeping the Occidental Hotel, San Fran- 
cisco, CaL, is now at the Sturtevant. Lewis also for- 
merly kept the Metropolitan Hotel, at Long Branch 
IS ew Jersey. 

Major George S. Leland was, during the war, Commis- 
sary of Subsistence at Harper's Ferry, and supplied the 
army of the Potomac after the battles of Antiefcam and 
Gettysburg ; and also supplied the troops in the Valley 
of Virginia, under the command of General Joe Hooker- 
and Phil Sheridan. After the war he assisted his uncles 
Charles and Warren for three years in the management of the 
Grand Union Hotel, at Saratoga. 

Charles E. & Warren F. Leland, keep the Delavan 
House, at Albany, N. Y. This is the best of the large rail- 
road hotels in the country, is splendidly furnished, and 
kept in a style that has made it famous the world over. A. 
never-ceasing stream of foreign and home travel flows, 
past this great inn, and any inferior management would 
have destroyed its success long ago. But the severest 
criticism yields the most favorable opinion of its excel- 
lencies. 

Charles E. for several years has also been the pro- 
prietor of the Clarendon Hotel, at Saratoga Springs, 
N. Y., a house noted for extraordinary coziness, ele- 
gance, and sumptuous furnishing, splendid table and at- 
tentive service. [Recently he established the Kossmore 
Hotel, on Broadway and Fortv-second Street, New York. 
13 



THE "LELANDS. 

a princely hotel, right royally kept, in the fullest 
sense of the term. 

Jerome, in 1868 and 1869, kept the Columbian Hotel, 
one of the neatest, most complete and cozy hotels at 
Saratoga Springs, remarkable for its quiet, home-like 
peculiarities. It was a favorite resort for those who 
wished elegant seclusion and placid comfort. The 
clergy and collegiate professions patronized it largely. 

Horace S. presides over the Leland House, at Spring- 
field, HI., a hotel whose prestige is well-known through- 
out this country, and particularly at the West. During 
the Summer he is in charge of the elegant Bossmore, in 
New York. 

There is a remarkable family resemblance among the 
Lelands. They are a race of stalwart men, just the 
size and style for the typical, jolly, good Boniface. The 
face is full, round, with resolute, pleasing, and intelli- 
gent features. Their height averages medium, their 
carriage is erect and energetic. Stand them behind a 
curtain with all of their persons concealed except the 
head, and with the exceptions of Charles, Lewis and 
William, it is difficult to identify them. Their weight 
is solid, the ten footing up to the tonnage score, viz. : 
Aaron P., 260 ; William W., 180 ; Charles, 175 ; War- 
ren, 310 ; Lewis, 190 ; Horace S., 180 ; George S., 275 : 
Jerome, 265 ; Charles E., 175 ; Warren F., 225; War- 
ren, Jr., 230 ; total, 2,465 pounds ! This is a rare com- 
bination of avoirdupois in one family, which constitutes 
a kindred fat men's association in itself. Not only are 
they large bodied, but great hearted and prone to kindly 
and charitable acts. Without exception they are fore- 
most in benevolent as well as public-spirited enterprises 
of every variety. They are also men of steady habits 
and honorable character, and amiable in their family 
connections as they are in their business arrangements. 
The Lelands have always been the last to advance prices, 
and the first to reduce them, as the exigencies and 
expediencies of the times warranted. 

THE OCEAN HOTEL, 

Long Beanch. 

Chables and Wabeen Leland, Jr., Peopeeetoes. 

This hotel, under the management of Charles Leland 
and his nephew, Warren Leland, Jr., has deservedly 
14 



THE I/ELANDS. 



won the reputation of being the leading seaside resort 
of America. Its location is by far the most desirable 
along the unequaled Long Branch beach, and its entire 
equipment and administration of affairs combines every 
possible luxury and comfort. This condition of excel- 
lence is largely due to the skill and experience of Mr. 
Charles Leland, who went abroad, just prior to the 
inauguration of the New York Metropolitan Hotel, for 
the express purpose of studying the hotel system of 
European countries. He visited the leading hotels on 
the Continent, thoroughly examining all the details of 
their arrangements, and informed himself of everything 
both ancient and modern, that could possibly aid him 
in making improvements. Upon his return home, after 
maturing the plans with his brothers, Simeon, Warren 
and Wilham, they were carried into practical effect in 
the (then new) Metropolitan Hotel. The history of the 
rapid progress subsequently made by them in their bus- 
iness, amply demonstrates the correctness of the obser- 
vation and studies of that foreign trip and their intrinsic 
value in all the succeeding years. It is appropriate to 
remark here that the continued and expanding success 
of this family is the legitimate result of unremitting 
study, incessant hard work and unflagging energy, con- 
centrated in the one purpose, viz., how to maintain, 
improve, please and excel. 

Of late years, multitudes who formerly sought health 
and recreation at inland resorts, have taken up their 
line of march down to the sea. Thousands yet go to 
the hillsides, climb to the mountain tops, or flock to 
the mineral spring regions in search of pleasure and 
physical improvement ; but tens of thousands swarm 
to the ocean shores in preference. The dry, clear atmos- 
phere of the mountain echoes, the dewy morning air of 
the meadows, and the tingling relish of the spring 
waters have their measure of merit and attractiveness. 
But the current of Summer voyagers 'Is turning strongly 
in the direction of the sea shore. There they gain the 
unequaled tonic of saline breezes tempered by the sun- 
shine, and the stimulus of the briny bath in the waves, 
with showers of sparkling spray and the dash of the 
foaming surf. And, though mineral springs do not 
bubble forth from the sands, the waters of Saratoga and 
other springs are brought hither, fresh and relishsome 
for those who desire them. \nd in other respects this 
16 



\ 



THE LE LANDS. 

most popular seaside resort combines with its own 
natural advantages many others common and peculiar 
to inland watering places. 

Long Branch has had a growth in popularity and 
prosperity that is altogether unprecedented. Its con- 
tiguity to the great metropolis, its facilities for access, 
and its natural superiorities of location and climate, 
render it unequaled and inimitable. It is within one 
hour and a half from New York by steamboat and rail- 
road. The New Jersey Southern and the Central Rail- 
roads of New Jersey, provide ample and comfortable 
accommodation for travel. By the first-named route 
you take the splendid steamboats from the foot of 
Rector street, New York, and enjoy an hour's sail, 
with fragrant, cooling sea breezes and an unrivaled 
marine panorama. On the passage you have a sweep- 
ing view of the harbor and lower bay, with its shipping 
of every variety, and lovely scenery along the New Jersey, 
Long Island and Staten Island shores, in eluding the 
city fronts of New York, Brooklyn and Jersey City ; the 
villages of Bay Ridge, Fort Hamilton, New Brighton 
and StapletonJ; the United States' forts, with the historic 
Fort Lafayette ; the Highlands, Coney Island, etc. 
Arriving at Sandy Hook, where a full view of the 
light houses is afforded, you take the train and are 
whirled along past the pretty villages of Highlands, 
Seabright, Monmouth Beach and AtlanticviHe ; the 
entire length being almost one continuous chain of 
cottages of beautiful design and chaiming location. 
Five minutes' walk from the depot (or less time by 
the numerous stages) brings you to the Leland's Ocean 
Hotel. The Central New Jersey route — all rail — from 
the foot of Liberty street, New York, brings you in 
one hour and twenty minutes past the numerous lovely 
towns and fertile fields, gardens and orchards of Mon- 
mouth County, to the Long Branch depot, which is also 
but five minutes' walk from the Ocean Hotel. 

This mammoth hotel is situated on Ocean avenue, a 
magnificent broad, macadamized boulevard, which skirts 
the long bluff abreast of the Atlantic Ocean for a dis- 
tance of five miles, in a course due north and south. 
From this point is an unimpeded view of the mighty 
deep, with its rolling billows of blue edging the distant 
horizon at the limit of eyesight, and its nearer surf, 
seething, roaring, flashing and foaming with exhausted 
16 



THE IiELANDS. 

force against the gray sandy beach. Here is an ever- 
changing, never-ceasing kaleidoscope of marine pictures, 
of steamships and sailing vessels of every variety and 
nationality. The smoke wreaths floating in the air 
above the steamers' funnels, the white wings of canvas 
spread to the breeze above the ships' decks, excursion 
steamboats and yachts nearer shore, approaching, pass- 
ing, receding, into view and out of sight, during all the 
hours of the day, and in the moonbeams or under the 
starlight of night, constituting a panorama of absorbing 
and tireless interest. Occasionally there occurs the 
pleasurable excitement of an ocean yacht race ; the 
animated spectacle of thousands of bathers frolicking 
in the surf, with a vast number of lookers on along the 
bluff and beach. All day and late into the evening, ele- 
gant equipages and rare horses are passing and repass- 
ing along the driveway, while the melodious strains of 
a superb orchestra resound in the air on the immense 
piazzas and broad lawns. The picture is incomplete 
without noticing the groups of happy children romping, 
playing croquet and other juvenile games upon the wide 
plateau. 

All this is enjoyed by the guests from their rooms 
overlooking the sea, their promenades, or the parlors. 
From the time they awake in the crisp, saline air of the 
morning, wafted from the salty billows, until the hour 
of retiring, when the sonorous echoes of the surf sing 
them to sleep as with a soothing lullaby, and the cool 
Atlantic zephyrs fan them through dreamland, there is 
no dearth of amusement. The every evening hop in 
democratic style, the occasional children's soiree, and 
the regular full dress aristocratic Saturday night ball, 
complete the acme of popular taste for gayety and dis- 
play. Such are the idyls of the season at midsummer 
tide at this great hotel. The more substantial and in- 
dispensable items of attraction, as set forth at length 
and in full in the sumptuously spread and well-served 
tables, are all that heart could wish for. The inner and 
outer man has all the appetizing requirements more 
than satisfied by the surpassing and ample provision of 
the Leland cuisine. 

The immense proportions of the Ocean Hotel can 

only be realized by a personal view and inspection. 

Some general idea can be obtained from the statement 

that it extends along and reaches across an entire block 

17 



THE LEIiANDS. 

between two avenues of the town, and, including the 
lawns, etc., occupies an area of twelve acres of land. 
It has a frontage of 750 feet on Ocean avenue, and 
commands the finest view of the ocean boulevard, the 
bluff, the beach, the adjacent country, and the wide, 
wide sea. There are two wings extending from the 
rear, inclosing spacious grounds tastefully ornamented 
with grass plots, flowers, shade trees and walks. 

The edifice is four stories in height, and is surrounded 
by immensely broad, high-ceiled piazzas, each thirty- 
five feet wide, and opening to the several hallways. 
Thus a sheltered passage is afforded for promenade 
in all sorts of weather and at all hours, being a de- 
lightful convenience for strolling, resting, and sight 
seeing. The main entrance in the building is a hall 
fifty feet square, containing the hotel office, the grand 
staircase, telegraph office, hat, cloak and package room. 
Opening to this hall is the parlor, 140x60 feet in size, a 
vast and beautifully appointed and furnished room ; the 
reading and reception rooms, and the great dining hall, 
restaurant, and children's ordinary. 

The billiard hall, ten-pin alley, wine room, cigar 
and newspaper stands, the barber shop, wash and boot 
rooms and the florist's room, are located in the south 
wing, a most convenient and retired position. Through 
the great lawn in front, is a semicircular carriageway 
and a broad, straight path, leading from the avenue to 
the entrance. On either side of this pathway, in the 
borders of the lawn, close to the sod, are gas-jets, with 
variously colored glass globes, which illuminate the 
lawn at night, adding a fanciful effect to the multitude 
of luminous globes along the vast piazzas. On the 
bluff across the avenue are a series of Summer-houses 
overlooking the beach and sea, and fronting the hotel 
is a superb bronze statue of "Venus rising from her 
bath in the sea." The grounds are beautiful, with a 
profusion of rare flowers growing in urns and vases, 
and hanging-baskets of the same adorning the piazzas, 
dining-room, and halls. 

The dining hall is the largest of its kind on the Con- 
tinent, being 212x68 feet, with a ceiling 29 feet in 
height, which makes it the coolest, most convenient, 
and pleasant room of the kind on this continent. It 
seats one thousand guests. The kitchen, steward's 
room, laundrv, meat, milk, vegetable and store rooms, 
18 



THE IiELANDS, 

ice vaults and wine cellars are unequaled in all re- 
spects. There are six hundred sleeping rooms, accom- 
modating one thousand guests. All the furniture and 
appointments are of the most complete description. An 
abundance of all the luxuries of the season are sup- 
plied the table, the fruit, vegetables, milk, butter, etc. . 
being fresh from the Lelancl farm. The great variety 
of fish are daily taken from the sea near by, but a few 
hours before they are cooked and served on the table. 
Pure, limpid, fresh water is supplied in abundance 
from a splendid well on the premises, and also from the 
Long Branch Water Works. The gas consumed in the 
house is manufactured on the grounds near by. An 
extensive stable with a complete outfit of the best stock 
is connected with the house, and affords every facility 
for carriage riding. There are one hundred and fifty 
dressing rooms for bathers on the beach, in charge of 
expert seamen, who look after the safety of the bathers. 

Mr. Leland's suggestion has introduced an Aldemey 
daily on the bluff, where fresh milk is sold. Mr. Le- 
Land, being a strong advocate for temperance, argues 
that more milk and less whisky is better for the Ameri- 
can people. 'There are also gentle Shetland ponies, in 
charge of careful grooms, for the children's sport, and 
ten fine saddle horses, suitable for ladies' use, (always 
saddled and waiting orders). Out-door sports are espe- 
cially encouraged, and the season is enlivened not only 
by the races at the track, which excels all others in 
this country, but by the new polo game, the long- 
range rifle shooting, the international swimming match, 
and the contests by the gentlemen's shell boat club 
and base ball club. Dodd's Transfer Company have 
lately inaugurated a coaching route, with a new vehicle 
of improved construction — a combination of English 
and American styles, with all the splendid equipment 
■ — coache, guards, etc. , which is so successful that 
seats are booked for a week in advance. It makes two 
trips daily to Ocean Grove, and it is an interesting 
moment when the coach wheels up to the hotel steps 
and Mr. Leland presents the lady passengers with beau- 
tiful bouquets. 

A noteworthy event on Sunday evenings is the con- 
cert of sacred music performed by the Lelands' orches- 
tra, in the great parlor, and listened to by throngs of 
guests and large numbers of visitors from other hotels. 
19 



THE EELANDS. 

Of course a large share of merit for the superior 
management of their vast establishment is justly due to 
those in" charge of the various departments. The 
names of these gentlemen are : Mr. Wm. C. Barrett, 
Cashier ; (for many years of the Grand Union Hotel, 
at Saratoga,) Charles E. Murray, room clerk ; Josiah 
McArthur, book-keeper ; Joseph S. Wheaton, night 
clerk ; Charles Stutzke, wine master ; Van Leland, 
steward ; Rob't C. Clapp, assistant steward ; Col. Geo. 
Sherwood, sup't of police ; August Poltagnhi, chief 
cook ; Nathan Eandolph, head waiter. 

This hotel is open during the months of June, July, 
August, and September, of each year. Prices greatly 
reduced. 

THE STURTEYANT HOUSE. 

New York City. 
Lewis & Geoege S. Lelaxd, Pkopbietoes. 

This hotel is located in the most central and de- 
sirable part of the city. It was established about ten 
years ago, and at its inauguration was a success, since 
which time it has grown steadily and rapidly into 
public favor. There are few houses of the kind that 
have attained anything like the same degree of popu- 
larity. It is first-class in every detail, and provides for 
every possible requirement of every variety of temper- 
ament and taste that exists in the multitude and the 
individual. The situation is on Broadway, between 
Twenty-eighth and Twenty-ninth Streets, with a large 
wing on the latter street. To the guest brought to 
New York by the demands of business, the locality as 
a temporary home is unequaled. The same remark 
applies regarding those who visit our metropolis in 
search of pleasure — for all the principal places of 
attraction in the city, including the palatial private 
residences of New York's best and wealthiest citizens, 
and the chief places of public amusement, are all 
within a convenient distance. All portions of the city 
can easily be reached by private or public conveyance, 
the city railroads radiating thence in all directions. 

The Sturtevant has a frontage of 178 feet on Broad- 
way, and 176 feet on Twenty-ninth street, and is six 
stories in height. Recently, six large four-story brown- 
stone front private houses adjoining on Twenty-ninth 

20 



THE LELANDS. 

street were purchased, realtered, and are now added to 
the hotel, making a total of 360 rooms. The cost of 
this addition, including the purchase of the property, 
was $250,000 ; the total cost of building, land and im- 
provements between $550,000 and $600,000. These are 
so arranged as to be convenient for use either singly or 
en suite. In addition to the usual bath-rooms, closets, 
etc., on each floor of the building, each of these suites 
has been furnished with its own separate commodious 
bath-room, etc., in a style that must recommend itself 
to the lovers of health and comfort. 

These changes have greatly improved the fine ad- 
vantages of the original house, all of its accommoda- 
tions being considerably extended and largely benefited. 
The capacity of the great dining-hall has been vastly 
increased and exceedingly beautified in its furniture 
and decoration. It has just been refrescoed in the 
highest style of art, and is scarcely excelled by any 
other in the city — certainly it is one of the most pleas- 
ant and comfortable to be found anywhere. The 
"Ladies' Ordinary," lately remodeled and sump- 
tuously furnished, adjoins the large hall overlooking 
Twenty-ninth street, and is unsurpassed for convenience 
and comfort. 

There are three grand entrances to the building, the 
main being on Broadway, and the remaining two on 
Twenty-ninth street. On the Twenty-ninth street side 
is a ladies' parlor, or reception-room, that is well 
worthy of mention. It is frescoed in the most magnifi- 
cent manner, covered with one of the far-limed 
Axminster carpets, and furnished in the highest style of 
decorative art. There are also other reception-rooms 
and parlors on the Broadway side of the house. These 
have all been redecorated and refurnished, and are four 
in number. 

They are gems, both in design and finish. 
The reception-rooms on Broadway are three in num- 
ber, and are furnished most luxuriously in solid rose- 
wood and walnut, upholstered with mauve and crimson 
brocatelle. The carpets are finest Axminster, the colors 
and patterns being in unison ; the curtains are of finest 
lace, with rich lambrequins ; the mirrors are massive 
and brilliant, and fine oil-paintings adorn the paneled 
walls ; costly gilt gas-fixtures depend from the elabo- 
rately frescoed ceilings. The other parlors on Twenty- 
21 



THE LELANDS. 

ninth street are furnished in as magnificent style, the 
upholstery being in bine and golden satin, with Persian 
carpets to match. The curtains, mirrors and fixtures 
are superb in quality and arrangement. 

The bridal suite deserves special mention. It is one of 
the seven wonders of the great metropolis, not only for 
its beauties and comforts, but for the remarkably good 
taste displayed in all its points of almost oriental luxury. 
It is fitted up in the most gorgeous manner, and con- 
sists of an elegant parlor, bed room, bath room, etc. 
The furnishing of this suite alone was done at a cost of 
$3,500. These rooms are well worth a visit. All that a 
splendid taste could devise, and a lavish expenditure of 
money could suggest, has been summoned to aid in 
making it a fitting abode for those upon whom the bless- 
ings of matrimony have been newly conferred. It is like 
a fairy retreat where the angels of love would fain re- 
sort to sweeten the nectar of connubial bliss and woo 
the newly-mated lovers to the most delicious slumber. 

The kitchen, pantries, carving room, &c, of the hotel 
have hitherto been in the basement. Under the new 
arrangement they have been removed, and now occupy 
a building separate and distinct from the rest of the hotel. 
This kitchen stands in what might be termed the court 
yard, and communicates directly with the dining room 
on the second floor and the restaurant on the first. No 
person not experienced in hotel matters could have ever 
devised a plan that so perfectly fulfills the object for 
which it was constructed. 

In the basement are the bakery, store room, servants' 
dining hall, laundry and ironing rooms, all of which are 
screened from view by a pretty court yard filled with 
shrubs and flowers. 

Every year our people are adopting more and more of 
the European customs and habits. A large proportion 
of the wealthier classes incline to lead a hotel life, for 
thus they escape many unavoidable annoyances of keep- 
ing private establishments, and obtain a larger variety of 
luxuries at a much less expense. 

Great numbers of our best citizens are giving up 
housekeeping, and have betaken themselves and their 
families to our best hotels as permanent guests. The 
Messrs. Leland have constructed their hotel to meet 
the necessities of this class of persons. The greater 
number of the rooms in the new part of the building 
22 



THE LELANDS 

are arranged for the use of families. A family can 
have, if it so desires, a complete house to itself. 

The building is heated throughout by steam, and 
numbers of the rooms by means of grates. Ventila- 
tion has been strictly attended to, and the soil pipes 
running up through the building into the outer air of 
the roof, carry with them whatever might be oppres- 
sive and unhealthful. 

Every effort has been made to guard against fire. 
Large tanks of an enormous capacity are placed at the 
top of the building, and are filled by pipes connected 
with the steam power of the building. "Water pipes 
run up the entire height of the hotel on each end, and 
on each story are so arranged that the hose can be 
attached at a moment's notice. This hose is of an 
abundant length to reach the most remote portion of 
the hotel on each floor. Several of the celebrated 
Babcock's Fire Extinguishers have been placed in 
different places, the whole fire apparatus being under 
the care of men trained to use it effectually at a mo- 
ment's notice. 

There are several staircases, separate and distinct 
from each other, and the elevator is arranged with 
double doors on each floor that can be shut and ex- 
clude all draft from the house. 

A charming parterre of flowers extends along the 
Twenty-ninth street side of the building, adding much 
to its external beauty and attractiveness. 

The office is located in the large hall fronting both 
entrances. These passages are floored with tesselated 
pavement of fine marble. Adjoining this is a large 
and convenient reception and conversation room for 
the use of gentlemen. The barber-shop is easy of 
access from this room and the whole of the offico 
floor. 

The restaurant and wine room, adjoining, are among 
the most elegant and capacious in the city. There is 
also the railway ticket office, news-stand, and an ele- 
gant cigar counter, where the choicest brands of every 
fine variety of cigars, smoking and chewing tobacco, 
pipes, etc., are sold at most reasonable prices. 

As a hotel, combining comfort and elegance with 
moderate charges therefor, the Sturtevant has no supe- 
rior. It is deserving of praise in every particular. 
With the recent enlargement the Messrs. Lelancl have 
23 



THE LELANDS. 

acquired increased facilities in making their beautiful 
hotel one of the best in the country. 

It is conducted on both the American and European 
plans, contains 350 rooms, and accommodates 500 guests. 

One of the best features of this house, and one of 
the most pleasant facts to mention in this conclusion, 
is in reference to the personnel of the officials. The 
gentlemen composing the clerical force are experi- 
enced, courteous, and affable. TVithout detracting at 
all from the merits of other officers, it is but fair to 
express a most complimentary opinion of them con- 
cerning their relations to their employers, as well as to 
the guests of the establishment. The cashier is Mr. T. 
F. Silleck ; the room clerk, Mr. H. C. Barrett ; and the 
night clerk is Mr. M. O. Roberts. It is a pleasure to 
add the names of the steward. Mr. J. Leland, wine 
master Mr. Hugh Quinn, and the chief cook, Angelo 
Pedretto, both of whom deserve and have won the 
golden opinions of all who enjoy the comforts of this 
splendid hostelrie. The head waiter, Mr. Wilson Per- 
cival, also merits praise for his superior ability and 
gentlemanly manners, which have won him many warm 
friends. 

To the good sense and liberality of the owners, 
Messrs. J. D. & A. P. Sturtevant, the world of hotel 
patrons is indebted for this most comfortable and 
agreeable house. 

The Messrs. Leland have recently made a consider- 
ble reduction in prices for permanent guests at the 
Sturtevant House, viz : Parlor and bedroom, with board 
for gentleman and wife (including fuel, light, attendance, 
etc.), from 830 to §65 per week. Rooms, with board 
for single gentlemen, from 815 to S30 per week. Rooms, 
on the European plan, 81 per day and upward. Tran- 
sient rates $2.50, $3, and 33.50 per day, according to 
the location of rooms. 

HUDSON RIVER TRAVEL. 

GLORIOUS SCENERY — PURE, REFRESHING AIR — PALACE 

STEAMBOATS — NIGHT AND DAY LINES. 



The loveliness of the view on the Hudson River during a 
night trip, as seen under the starlight, or in the moon- 

24 



THE LEEANDS, 



light, can scarcely be exaggerated in the most prodigal 
use of language. The beauties of the passage by day- 
light can scarcely be overdrawn by the most enthusiastic 
description. 

The People's Line of night boats consists of the three 
most magnificent steamers in the world — the St. John, 
which commenced running in 1864 ; the Dean Richmond, 
launched in the following year ; and the Drew, the finest 
of all, which was completed in 1867. The first two cos* 
over half a million dollars each ; the Drew, which is a. 
little more elaborate than her sister vessels, costing nearly 
a million of dollars. 

As the internal arrangements and decoration of these 
vessels do not materially differ, a brief description of the 
Drew will suffice to convey an idea of the character of 
the boats comprising this fleet. 

This majestic steamer is about 400 feet long, over all ; 
width of hull, 48 feet ; width over the guards, 84 feet ; 
depth of hold, 10 feet ; draft of water, 6 feet. She is 
propelled by an engine of 82 inch cylinder, 15 feet 
stroke, carrying from 20 to 25 pounds of steam. She 
is 2,500 tons burden, and has sleeping accommodations 
for nearly 1,000 passengers, though as far as safety is 
concerned, she can, and frequently does carry twice 
that number. 

In addition to the spacious cabins, there are 284 state- 
rooms, arranged in double tiers, and reached by a spiral 
staircase of great width and massive construction. The 
staterooms are lighted with gas, and furnished in un 
elegant and tasteful manner. The "bridal rooms" are 
large apartments, adorned in the most sumptuous style 
of frescoed and gilded decoration, with furniture of the 
most elaborate description. 

These steamers are the wonder and admiration of all 
foreigners. An extensive shipping merchant of Glasgow 
— John H.Watt, Esq.— spending a few days in Albany, 
a year since, and visiting, in company with a number of 
friends, the steamer Drew, remarked that nothing in our 
country had astonished him so much as the size and 
elegance of that vessel. 

The grand saloon, extending nearly the entire length 
of the vessel, crowned with an elliptical roof, superbly 
furnished, brilliantly lighted, glittering with mirrors, 
and adorned with bronzes and other works of art, pre- 
sents a picture of refined luxury which is without 
'25 



THE LELANDS. 

equal. In the ladies' cabin the berths are arranged 
athwart ship, in alcoves or recesses, thus securing com- 
plete privacy. The entire vessel is steam heated. That 
the culinary department is well managed, thousands will 
testify from personal experience, and the general ar- 
rangements for the comfort of passengers are such as to 
make a trip upon one of these magnificent steamers an 
occasion to be remembered with pleasure. The officers 
are men of experience, and we doubt not feel no small 
amount of pride in the beautiful vessel intrusted to 
their care. 

In point of speed these vessels are not excelled by any- 
thing of similar dimensions upon our inland waters, often 
making the trip between New York and Albany, one 
hundred and sixty miles, in nine hours. 

The present officers of the Company are, Daniel Drew, 
Prest. ; Wm. H. Drew, Yice - Prest. and Treasurer; Rus- 
sell P. Clapp, Sec. ; John 0. Hewitt, Gen. Ticket Agt. ; 
Eli Benedict, Gen. Freight Agt. ; I. W. Harcourf, Gen. 
Freight Agt. at Albany, N. Y. 

The boats leave New York daily, for Albany, from 
Pier 41 North River, foot of Canal Street, at six 
o'clock p. m. (Sundays excepted), and also leave Albany 
for New York, every evening, upon the arrival of the 
Northern and Western trains. 

The day line consists of the steamers Ghauncey Vibbard 
and Daniel Drew, two of the strongest, swiftest, and 
handsomest vessels of their kind in the world. They 
make daily trips, leaving either terminus of the route in 
the early morning, and arrive in the early evening. 

Those traveling between the East and the West, and, 
especially pleasure-seekers going from Long Branch and 
New York to Saratoga, Lake George, the Adirondacks, 
Richfield Springs, Niagara Falls, and various other 
points of interest, should not miss the opportunity for 
enjoyment and comfort afforded them by a voyage on 
the peerless Hudson River, which has the additional ad- 
vantage of being the most economical route. 

The Delavan House coaches are always in attendance 
for passengers, on the arrival of the several day and 
night steamboats, at the Albany piers. 

Among the numerous objects of interest to visitors at 
Albany are the old State House and parks, the grand 
new Capitol (now in course of erection \, the several 
other public buildings, the magnificent railroad bridges 

26 



THE LELAXDS. 

across the Hudson River, a large number of imposing 
business structures, elegant private residences, exten- 
sive foundries, lumber depots, manufacturing estab- 
lishments, costly and beautiful churches, cemeteries, 
and splendid drives through the suburban limits and 
farming districts, with charming landscape and water 
views on every side. The United States Arsenal, with 
its extensive and beautiful grounds, is but a short dis- 
tance by horse railway and steam railroad from the 
Delavan House. 

THE DELAVAN HOUSE, 

Albany, New York, 

Charles E. Leland & Co., Proprietors. 

There is no hotel on the American continent that is 
better known throughout the world than the Delavan 
House. Its proprietors, the brothers Charles E. and 
Warren F. Leland, have established a • reputation in 
their business which has scarcely a parallel. They 
entertain during the year, the largest number of travel- 
ers ever registered on the arrival books of any inn on 
the face of the globe, and it is a landmark far more 
familiar everywhere than even the name of the capital 
city of the Empire State. The first stopping place of 
any note on the transcontinental rail highway between 
New York and San Francisco is Albany. "The first 
object that impresses the mind of the traveler, as the 
trains arrive in the depot, is the massive proportions 
01 this edifice, which looms up and overshadows all 
the adjacent buildings. It covers the entire block 
bounded by Broadway, Montgomery, Steuben and 
Columbia Streets ; is built of brick, with brown-stone 
trimmings, is five stories in height, with frontages of 
375 and 125 feet respectively, and its location for public 
convenience is unequaled. 

It stands directly opposite the depot of the New York 
Central and Hudson Eiver Kailroads, and near the 
piers of the Hudson Eiver day and night steamboats. 
It is the great central resting and refreshment place for 
multitudes of travelers who constantly pass to and fro. 
In the "Winter season it is the headquarters of the leg- 
islators and politicians. In the Summer time it is the 
resting and ' lunching place of tourists and pleasure 
seekers ; in all the months of the year it is the tarrying 

27 



THE LELAjNOS. 



point for tired and hungry wanderers. Hb^ oi 
arrivals has been aptly termed "the barometer oi 
travel and business indicator. 

There are three' mam entrances besides the ladies 
private door and the entrances to the Billiaid Halls. 
^hlomceTs situated on the first storj facing tiie grand 
Rfniivase and commandmg a view of the halls ana re 
ception rooms. The ladiel' and gentlemen's rooms are 
Various and pleasant the floors being fcled mth 
French mosaic blocks, imported specially loi this house, 
ft Is the finest specimen of that kind of work in this 
countrv and is greatly admired by all new-comers. The 
tohshing of these rooms is rich and appropriate. 
Solid walnut chairs, comfortably upholstered m crim- 
son", and sofas to correspond, jt^lT ?£e 
And lambrequins of the most elegant description ine 
^itos S iiniisiially broad, with pavements of finest 
Sated marble. Opposite the clerk's desk is the tel- 

wWh are extra large and well-fitted up. Ike nanwa} s 
Tnd roomsXoughout the house are very wide, the ceil- 
and rooms tnroug svstem G f ventilation is very supe- 
3S? ^^B^seTctrpet covers the floors., the walls 
are all painted, and the passages are ^1 fumishea- with 
natural light- On the second ^J>^J 10 ^™1 
depot, are the dining - rooms the ^f r one bemg 
inn ^ «tt f*et and the smaller, 85x28 leet. ±nree uuu 
ted gists' can be seated at the tables ; and an idea of 
tht eanacitv of the establishment can be gained by the 
teternttouring the great railroad strike when the 
c^+P troons were quartered at the capitol, 3,80U meals 

Section™ V serais remarkably good, and de- 
"BffiSSSSrS&« to all travelers every- 



THE LEI/ANDS. 

where, for no one who has once enjoyed a meal therein 
can ever forget or fail to appreciate the delicious relish- 
some viands and exquisite neatness and efficiency in the 
management. There are three hundred rooms, and 
fifty-six parlors, with accommodations for about five 
hundred guests. There are single apartments, and 
suites with parlor, sleeping-rooms, bath, and closet. The 
bridal suite is on the Broadway front of the second floor, 
and is furnished in royal magnificence. It consists of 
a very large parlor, with bedroom, bath, and closet. The 
floors are carpeted with the finest Wilton, of an indes- 
cribably beautiful pattern, the lovely colors blending deli- 
cately together. The walls are elaborately tinted and 
paneled, and the ceilings are richly frescoed. Glittering 
gilt chandeliers depend from the handsome centre-pieces ; 
rare lace curtains and rich lambrequins drape the win- 
dows, and immense plate mirrors reflect the surrounding 
splendors. The furniture is in French walnut, im- 
ported for this house. The chairs, sofas, and rockers 
are luxuriously upholstered in buff and purple satin ; 
the bedstead is a marvel of superb beauty and fine work- 
manship, the carvings alone costing nearly $1,000 ; the 
bureau is a gem of art : the mirror being of the rarest 
crystal plate, the alabaster top of the finest grade, the 
carvings of unique and elaborate design, the drawers 
lined with curled maple — all of the most superb cabinet 
finish. The wardrobe corresponds in style, the interior 
being paneled with the choicest cedar. The entire ex- 
pense of fitting up this princely boudoir of Cupid ap- 
proached $10,000. Many newly wedded couples have 
enjoyed within these fairylike precincts the first hours 
of the sacred bliss of matrimony, and doubtless it has 
been the birthplace of sweetest sentiments, lofty ambi- 
tion, and pure resolves for future years. 

On this same floor are other suites of rooms, of various 
sizes, but similar in arrangement and scarcely second in 
point of gorgeousness, comfort, and lovely surround- 
ings. The furniture is of solid walnut, rosewood, maple, 
and mahogany, with elegant carvings ; the upholstery is 
of satin, brocatelle and French rep ; the carpets are of 
English Brussels, Moquet, Axminster, Velvet, and Wil- 
ton ; the mirrors of French crystal plate ; the lace cur- 
tains, lambrequins, etc., of the costliest and most 
beautiful variety ; and the ormolu bronze, and marble 
clocks, fine oil paintings, ornaments, etc., of the most 
29 



THE LELANDS. 

exquisite description. It is no exaggeration to say that, 
for solid value, refined taste and appropriateness^ these 
suites equal anything of their kind in the hotel universe. 
It would fill a volume to detail the beauties of the fres- 
coing, the elegance of ornamentation, the diversity of 
style prevalent all over this house. 

On the upper floors are also elegant suites of rooms, 
also single rooms, furnished in walnut, mahogany and 
maple, with luxurious bedding, superb upholstery, and 
carpets of finest texture and most beautiful design. Ex- 
tensive alterations, repairs, and redecorations recently 
finished, have greatly improved the appearance of the 
entire house. 

The top floor is devoted to laundry uses, and with its 
steam appliances is not surpassed, if it is equaled any- 
where. A steam passenger elevator communicates with 
every floor. The basement contains all the domestic 
arrangements, which are of the most extensive and com- 
plete description. The kitchen is a model of neatness 
and convenience : it is 40 by 100 feet in size, with im- 
mense ranges, and every variety of polished metal 
cooking utensils, mammoth ice chests, each thirty feet 
long, six wide, and four and a half deep, packed with 
all seasonable varieties of fish, flesh, fowl, fruit, etc. 
These are said to be the largest ice boxes in the State,. 
and epicures have good reason to bless them for the 
tit-bits and bonny morsels they have given forth to the 
tired, hungry and captious gastronomer. 

The Lelands are epicurean connoisseurs, and the first 
and best of every delicacy in market they secure in ad- 
vance for their table — all the vegetables, milk, cream, 
fruit etc., is supplied from the Leland farm at Scho- 
harie. 

No hotel elsewhere can excel and few can compete 
with this, especially in the line of game in season, and 
the first country garden or hot-house delicacies. 

In the basement is also located the bakery, 40x50 
feet in size ; the store room, 100 x 25 feet ; the meat 
room, 30 x40 feet ; the ice, coal, and furnace vaults, etc. 

Every possible precaution is taken for safety in case 
of fire ; there are five separate stairways, in different 
parts of the house, and two fire escapes of the Cochrane 
patent, with endless chains and self-acting brakes, ren- 
dering exit from every floor absolutely safe and easy. 

The proprietors, Messrs Charles E. and Wan-en F. 
30 



THE TJELANDS. 

Lelaiul, are very ably assisted in the management of this 
truly magnificent inn, by a staff of courteous and expe- 
rienced gentlemen, viz : Mr. 0. K. Haskell, cashier ; 
Wm. Markwell, room clerk ; 0. W. Squires, book- 
keeper ; David Wilson, night clerk ; James Hardy, 
steward ; George Burlingham, general superintendent ; 
Anton Poltanghi, head cook ; James McDonald and 
Phillip Donnelly, wine masters ; James Jordan, head 
waiter. 

A considerable reduction in prices has recently been 
made at this hotel. 

THE CLAEENDON HOTEL. 

Saratoga, New York, 
Charles E. Leiand, Proprietor. 

Saratoga is the leading inland Summer resort of the 
American continent. During the warm weather it is 
the cynosure of all the eyes in the world of fashion. It 
is a Mecca toward which throngs of the toil-worn, and 
multitudes of invalids turn their steps, with a hopeful 
desire for rest, recuperation, and health. It is a locality 
famous throughout the world for its immense, numer- 
ous, and magnificent hotels, its variety of mineral 
springs, charming drives, beautiful scenery, lovely lakes, 
grand parks, majestic shade trees, splendid race track, 
and elegant private residences. Eeminiscences of his- 
toric interest cluster around its very name, from the 
first days of the existence of the American Republic, 
and events of political, social, and national importance, 
mark its progress every year. The talent, the wealth, 
and the rank of the nation have resorted there since 
Revolutionary times. Its physical geography is unrival- 
ed, the location being upon an elevated plain, directly 
in the funnel between the Catskills and the Green 
Mountains, through which the currents of pure moun- 
tain air flow unimpeded. This clear, finely tempered 
atmosphere possesses tonic qualities and healing proper- 
ties, invaluable to the sickly, the weakly, and the weary. 
The medicinal virtues of the mineral water springs, add 
their invigorating, health-giving, and life-saving influ- 
ences, to all the other surrounding advantages of society, 
scenery, and personal comfort. 

Among the many large hotels of Saratoga the Claren- 
31 



THE LELANDS. 

don ranks as the peer of any, and in certain specialties 
the superior of them all. It deserves its well-earned 
reputation of being the most complete and perfect 
family watering place hotel in the world. It is the 
model house of the tourist, and the home of talent, 
fashion, wealth, luxury, and refinement. The situa- 
tion is the most convenient and desirable in the village, 
being on Broadway, just below the entrance to Con- 
gress Spring Park. The position is retired from the 
noise and bustle of the vicinity of the other great hotels, 
but commands a sweeping view of all. The building 
and grounds occupy a large space of ground- -about 
one-third of the block — and having a frontage on three 
streets. This is the only hotel in Saratoga that is 
painted white, and has green blinds, thus presenting 
that neat and tidy appearance which distinguishes 
many of the New-England villages, and produces a 
charming rural effect amid the splendid shade trees 
that surround it. There is a pleasant contrast with the 
more metropolitan architecture and colors which pre- 
vail among the other hotels. The Broadway front of 
the house resembles some superb private palatial man- 
sion, with a grand, broad piazza, from which tall 
colonnades rise to the roof. This piazza extends beyond 
the line of the building to a considerable distance along 
Broadway, and is open, having in the luxuriant foliage 
of the trees above, a sufficient and grateful canopy. The 
piazza and colonnade also extends around along William 
Street to the office entrance. Enclosed partly by the 
two wings is a depression of ground, forming a minia- 
ture valley, which is tastefully arranged in hillocks, 
winding paths, and shrubbery, and shaded by tall, 
straight elms, pines, and maples, around the trunks of 
which the beautiful woodbine climbs with vigorous 
growth. Near the center of the Park is a pretty Sum- 
mer-house in the style of a Chinese pagoda : this shel- 
ters the celebrated Washington Spring, whose sparkling 
waters bubble up from the bosom of the earth below, 
and are served fresh and relishsome by young lads to 
the people, who apply in throngs. These spring waters 
are among the most valuable of the Saratoga Spas, their 
tonic properties being greatly esteemed by the village 
residents and popular with visitors. Those of the 
guests who prefer the Congress water have only to step 
across the street to the Park containing the Congress 
32 



THE T.TSTjAN DS. 

and Columbian Springs. The whole effect of a view of 
the Clarendon Park from Broadway is like that of some 
stereoscopic picture, the moving figures of promenaders 
and children at play on the walks and lawns giving a 
panoramic appearance, which is heightened at night 
when the piazzas, balcony, and park are brilliantly 
illuminated with gaslights. The hotel building is in 
the form of an L. The main portion on the front and 
corner is 284 feet in length, the wing in the rear of the 
park is 150 feet, and the breadth is 60 feet. The height 
is four stories above the basement floor. The halls are 
unusually broad, and through them passes constantly 
an ample volume of pure, cool air, fresh from the 
distant mountains. 

The establishment contains about 300 rooms — single 
and in suites — with parlors, baths, and closets. About 
five hundred guests can be accommodated. The ladies' 
parlor and reception room are spacious, and exquisitely 
furnished in a style of elegance suited to the season ; 
the rich, light-hued carpets, the wicker and open work 
chairs, rockers, and lounges for ladies, are provided in 
abundance, and the great, easy, arm, Shaker flag-seat 
rockers, being a feature intended especially for gentle- 
men. The furniture and equipment of the upper floors 
correspond in sumptuous style. The dining hall is 
of magnificent proportions, being 125 feet long, 50 feet 
wide, with a ceiling 22 feet in height. The ladies' 
ordinary, adjoining, is 50 feet long, 22 broad, with the 
same height of ceiling. The ventilation of the build- 
ing is excellent, the green blinds shielding the strong 
heat of the sun, and the tall shade trees on all sides 
interposing their luxuriant foliage to temper the 
breezes to a delicious degree. The dining hall and 
ordinary are the coolest and most pleasant to be found 
anywhere ; not the least point of excellence consisting 
in the fact that the kitchen is so far removed as to 
insure an immunity from the noise and confusion that 
mars the comfort of a meal in many hotels. The polite 
and prompt service of the attendants is also an excep- 
tional point, invariably noted and commended by the 
guests. In the basement are located the conveniences 
for all the domestic operations. 

The store rooms, wine vaults, larder, bakery, refri- 
gerating vaults and kitchen, are admirably arranged for 
their several purposes, and throughout all a system of 

33 



TBDE LELANDS. 

the most perfect order, neatness, and convenience 
prevails. The kitchen is fifty feet square, and contains 
extensive ranges, steamers, and numerous cooking- 
utensils of polished metal. The ice chests are of 
immense size and capacity, and contain treasures of 
selected dainties — game, fish, meats, poultry, etc., 
packed in masses of glittering crystal. The water used 
for cooking and table purposes is obtained in inex- 
haustible quantity from two large springs of cold, clear 
fluid that well up from the opposite hillside. For 
the baths, the laundry, the closets, &c, the supply 
comes from the village water works — the Holly patent — 
which maintains a force sufficient to force streams more 
than a hundred feet in the air, above the street level. 
Two tanks of huge proportions are placed on the roof, 
and are always filled to the extent of thousands of 
gallons, more than enough for every possible require- 
ment. Every precaution has been taken to insure 
complete safety in the event of fire. There are four 
separate staircases in the building, two of which are 
unusually broad and remarkably easy for ascent and 
descent. There are also two fire escapes of the most 
approved pattern ; one with iron ladders and platforms, 
and another of the Cochrane pattern — an endless chain 
with pulleys and brakes which are self-regulating, and 
capable of sustaining tons of weight ; persons grasp the 
chain from the windows at any floor and are let down 
with easy motion and absolute safety, the heavier the 
weight the more firm the pressure of the brakes. The 
Clarendon wine room is located in an isolated nook of 
the basement, communicating by a private stairway 
with the office floor, and by a separate piazza with the 
park, which it overlooks. It is the coziest, neatest, and 
most inviting resort of its kind in Saratoga, having 
none of the peculiarities of the stereotyped style of a 
bar room, but more resembling the wine closet of a 
gentleman's private residence. 

In a thousand-and-one ways Mr. Leland has secured 
the patronage of a distinct class of visitors, who desire 
the elegant exclusiveness and quiet comforts of a family 
house, rather than to mingle with the somewhat pro- 
miscuous company which seek the other great hotels. 
He combines all the best traits and accomplishments 
that have for so many years made the Leland name so 
famous in his profession. It would seem as though 
34 



THE IiELAtfDS. 

every one of his employes absorbed his magnetizing 
vitality, for in every part of the establishment the guest 
notices a perfection of operations which can only pro- 
ceed from the influence of an omnipresent and inde- 
fatigueable master mind. 

In addition to the departments already described; 
are the stables, gas-house, and laundry, located on the 
adjacent block, across the street in the rear. The car- 
riage house contains a large variety of elegant equip- 
ages — some owned by the guests, and others for livery 
use. In the stables are accommodations for about forty 
horses. The gas-house has a capacity more than ample 
for the fullest requirement of the hotel. The laundry 
is an extensive building adjoining, and its large opera- 
tions are carried on by steam, the engine being placed 
in a rear apartment for safety. 

The musical entertainments by the superb Clarendon 
Orchestra' are worthy of the enthusiastic compliments 
so freely bestowed by all who enjoy them. Choice 
selections of operatic, classic, and familiar works, are 
discoursed daily, morning and evening, on the piazza 
overlooking the interior park. The occasional hops 
and balls given here are the excelling social events of 
the village, and are attended largely by the beauty, 
wealth, talent and rank of the refined circles. Of the 
five hundred guests that this house can entertain, the 
better and unobjectionable classes gravitate to it, as 
naturally as though they came to visit some private 
manor by a formal invitatioD, and seem to enjoy its 
comforts and pleasures as though it were a family home- 
stead of some opulent relative. Mr. Charles E. Leland, 
the head, life, and power of the hotel, has associated 
with him in the general management, a staff of gentle- 
men whose courtesy and professional skill in their 
several departments has deservedly won the best opin- 
ions of their guests. They are : Mr. C. J. Hamlin, 
cashier ; Mr. Simeon Leland Jr. , room clerk ; Mr. Alva 
Orcutt, assistant clerk ; Mr. Charles Batchelder, night 
clerk ; Mr. Thomas Clark, book-keeper ; Mr. H. Mc 
Millan, steward ; Mr. Giacomo Geninozzie, chief cook ; 
Messrs. John H. Eobb, and Thomas Carpenter, wine 
masters ; Mr. Charles Hopewell, head waiter. 

A considerable reduction in prices has recently been 
made at this hotel. 

The finest tonic mineral waters in Saratoga are those 
35 



THE IiELANDS 



of the Washington Spkeng. The waters oil this celebra, 
ted spring have stood unrivaled for sixty years in their 
ever-healing virtues. It is the most strongly impreg- 
nated with iron of all the waters of Saratoga, and 
contains more carbonic acid gas than that of any other 
spring. 

Its lively and sparkling character has acquired for it 
the name of "The Champagne Spring." 

For dyspepsia, all affections of the kidneys, dropsy, 
chronic diarrhoea, general debility, and ail those irregu- 
larities and distressing diseases known only to the fe- 
male sex, it will be found to produce the most beneficial 
effects. 

Below is given an analysis made by the distinguished 
practical chemists, James E. Chilton & Co., snowing 
the substances contained in each gallon of the water to 
be as follows : 



Chloride of Sodium 








182.733 


Bicarbonate of Magnesia . 








65.973 


Bicarbonate of Lime . 








84 096 


Bicarbonate of Soda . 








8.474 


Bicarbonate of Iron 








3.800 


Chloride of Calcinm . 








203 


Chloride of Magnesium 








.680 


Sulphate of Magnesia . 








051 


Iodide of Sodium 








2 243 


Bromide of Potassium 








.474 


Silicic Acid . 








1.500 


Alumina 








. A trace. 


Grains . 








. 350 227 



The gases which were contained and analyzed at the 
spring yielded for the gallon as follows : 

Carbonic Acid . .... 363.77 
Atmospheric Air 6.41 



Cubic inches 



370.18 



The water should be kept in a cool place previous to 
drinking, as its natural temperature is 45 deg. Fah. 

It is put up at the springs in cases, carefully packed, 
containing four dozen pints each. The price is $8.50 
per case, delivered in New York City. Also in block- 
tin-lined barrels, for draught purposes, or in Matthews's 
Patent Steel Fountains, charged with gas, and ready 
for use for druggists. All orders should be addressed 
to John Matthews, First Avenue, bet. 26th & 27th Sts., 
New York City. 

36 



THE LELANDo. 

THE LELAND HOTEL. 

Springfield, Illinois. 
Hoe-ace S. Leland & Co., Proprietors. 

When this hotel was first projected, the great West 
was deficient in proper accommodations for the travel- 
ing public, and most of the established inns were sadly 
defective in almost every particular. To meet this im- 
portant and growing want, which was realized to be 
imperative, public-spirited gentlemen formed a joint 
stock company and erected a handsome, convenient, 
and substantial edifice at a cost of $350,000. It was 
opened January 1st, 1867, by Messrs. Horace S. Le- 
land & Co. , and at once entered on a career of success, 
which continues unabated. It is the preferred resort, 
of commercial travelers and tourists from all parts of. 
the country and abroad, and is the rendezvous of a, 
large proportion of the political office-holders, workers,, 
and legislators of the State. 

The situation of the building is central and admirably 
adapted to the convenience of mercantile, political, and 
professional persons. The magnificent Illinois State 
House, which cost $5,000,000, the manufacturing, com- 
mercial, and educational centres are contiguous, and 
every point of interest in the city is within direct and 
easy access, 

The hotel stands upon the corner of Sixth street and. 
Capitol avenue, is built of brick with Joliet stone trim- 
mings, is four stories high, and in its general appear- 
ance somewhat resembles the Everett House in the City 
of New- York. 

If it was located in the latter city it would attract 
general attention, and command popular admiration 
for its exceedingly handsome exterior, as well as for all. 
its internal arrangements and equipment. 

Its frontages are 150 by 100 feet on the two streets,, 
and the first noticeable feature to the visitor is the size 
of the immense blocks of flagging with which the side- 
walk is paved. 

The entire structure is solidly and symmetrically built. 
There are two entrances, one on each street, covered by 
ornamental and massive porches. The first floor on the 
street level contains the office, dining-room, gentlemen's 
parlor and reading-room. The basement is spacious 
and pleasant, and in it are the wine- rooms, railroad 
Si 



THE LELANDS 

ticket offices, barber's, and bath rooms and closets. The 
floors of this and the next story are laid in tesselated 
marble. There are four grand staircases, one in each 
corner of the house — an arrangement for safety and con- 
venience. The next (second) floor contains the ladies' 
reception rooms and parlors — three in number. These 
are covered with velvet carpets of beautiful colors and 
designs, and furnished in fine black walnut, upholstered 
in the most luxurious and elegant style. Costly lace 
curtains and damask lambrequins drape the windows ; 
large mirrors reflect the surroundings, and the walls and 
ceilings are richly paneled and frescoed, with superb 
gas fixtures depending from the centres. 

There are a number of rooms in suites, with pretty 
parlors attached ; also a bridal chamber, furnished in all 
the magnificence, luxury, and completeness of mahog- 
any, lace, velvet carpets, mirrors, etc., and, as is the 
case with all the suites of rooms, has bath room, hot and 
cold water, stationary basin and closet. 

There are two hundred sleeping rooms, which accom- 
modate three hundred persons. The dining hall seats 
two hundred and fifty guests. Extensive alterations 
and improvements are about to be made ; one of the 
best elevators is to be introduced, and the wine, billiard 
and dining rooms are to be thoroughly renovated and 
improved. 

The excellencies of this house are well-known to regu- 
lar travelers and its habitues, especially family parties, 
who appreciate the coziness and cleanliness of all its 
parts, the fine system of discipline in every department, 
the superb table and relishsonie viands of its cuisine — 
all done in the best Leland style. All the milk, cream, 
eggs, vegetables, etc. , are supplied from the Leland farm 
and dairy, which is located in the suburbs of Spring- 
field, within easy communication of the hotel. 

Mr. Horace S. Leland has associated with him in busi- 
ness co-partnership, his brother-in-law, Major Noble B. 
Wiggins, a member of the military staff of Governor 
Culloni, of the State of Illinois. He is a gentleman of 
fine-social qualities, and a complete master of his pro- 
fession. His private career, as well as his military his- 
tory, has endeared him to a large and appreciative 
circle of intimate friends and acquaintances ; and his 
natural suavity and kindly traits render him a favor- 
ite with all who frequent the hotel. His war record is 
38 



THE LELANDS. 

replete with gallant incidents and intrepid exploits. 
His arms upheld the regimental flag through showers 
of shot and scenes of carnage that decimated his com- 
rades to a fearful extent. 

By acclamation the Messrs Leland & Wiggins are the 
leading landlords, and their hotel is the best in that 
State. 

Their assistants in various capacities are gentlemen 
of ability and genial disposition. Mr. M. M. King and 
Wm. Furst are the room-clerks ; Mr. John Lace is the 
night clerk ; Mir. A. Barthe the chief cook ; and Mr. 
Robert Gorham the head waiter. 

For_ genuine comfort, real elegance, pleasant sur- 
roundings, and superlative table and cuisine, this hotel 
is unsurpassed in the Western States. 

Springfield is one of the most lovely and flourishing 
of the cities in the great West. It is the seat of govern- 
ment of the Garden State, and contains within its lim- 
its objects of interest that claim the attention of tourists 
and travelers, There are private residences of costli- 
ness, elegance, and taste, that compare favorably with 
any others elsewhere in America. The drives are charm- 
ing, the roads being in excellent condition, and having 
picturesque surroundings ; and the city streets and sub- 
urban thoroughfares being beautified with shade-trees, 
whose luxuriant foliage is almost unrivaled. In addi- 
tion to the State House, which thus far is peerless be- 
yond comparison on this continent, there are many 
grand and imposing edifices, public and private, in- 
cluding banks, stores, coal mines, manufactories, 
watch-making shops, steel-rolling mills, woolen-mills, 
foundries, agricultural works, etc. The National Lin- 
coln monument, which is the grandest mausoleum in 
the Western hemisphere, is visited by large numbers of 
people from all parts of the world. The last census 
places the population at about 25,000 persons, and it is 
a community of enterprising, progressive, and prosper- 
ous inhabitants. 

A considerable reduction in prices has recently b&sn 
made in this hotel. 



39 



THE LKLANBS. 

THE PALACE HOTEL. 

San Francisco, California. 
Warren Ltcland, Lessee. 

This stupendous pile is a monument of American 
enterprise, opulence and genius. Its massive propor- 
tions, towering above all the smaller adjacent buildings, 
impress the mind of the beholder with a feeling of 
amazement and awe. There is something so majestic 
and grand in all its hugeness, that one looks and 
wonders at the temerity of its projectors. A visit 
throughout the interior intensifies these feelings, until 
the mind is overwhelmed with pride, admiration and 
respect for the national and individual public spirit of 
our fellow countrymen. To venture such an immense 
outlay, and to assume such a vast responsibility of 
building and occupying this mammoth royal house, is 
deserving of illimitable praise and honor. 

To the master mind, the boundless pubfic spirit, and 
unstinted munificence of the late lamented William C. 
Ralston, belongs the credit of this grand enterprise. It 
will forever be a memorial of his generous intentions 
and plans for the people and the interests of the Pacific 
coast. At the inception of the project, Mr. Warren 
Leland was sought for and his assistance secured to aid 
the architect, Mr. J. P. Gaynor, in arranging plans for 
what was resolved to be the greatest and most perfect 
hotel in the world. After much careful consultation 
between them, Mr. Gaynor went to Europe, where he 
visited various of the best hotels on the continent, 
scrutinizing the minutest details, noticing all their 
points of excellence, and detecting all their imperfec- 
tions. As a result the plans and specifications of the 
Palace Hotel were completed, and the edifice was sub- 
sequently built. 

The limited space of this article does not permit of a 
full and minute description. Indeed, no picture in type 
or on canvas can do the subject adequate justice. The 
location is the best that could be chosen, being in the 
finest of the business centre of San Francisco City. It 
occupies the land bounded by New Montgomery, 
Market, Annie and Jessie streets. Its frontages are : 
On New Montgomery street, 344 feet ; on Market street, 
40 



THE LKLAKDS. 

275 feet ; on Annie street, 304 feet ; covering a space of 
92,200 feet 

That the reader may form some comprehension of the 
magnitude of the building, it will be necessary to state 
a few special comparisons by a reference to the large 
hotels in the East. For instance, Leland's Sturtevant 
House in New York covers 36,500 square feet ; the new 
Windsor Hotel in the same city covers 34,000 square 
feet ; and in Chicago the Palmer House 60,350 square 
feet. 

The architectural design of the Palace Hotel is of the 
modem school, every advantage and all the beauties of 
the antique classic styles being judiciously culled and 
molded into perfect harmony and elegance. Solidity, 
strength, grandeur, symmetry and convenience are 
united in one perfect plan. The main entrance on the 
first floor is twenty feet wide, twenty-five feet high, with 
sidewalks eight feet in width. This leads from Mont- 
gomery street to a carriage court, 152x84 feet, which is 
covered with glass and surrounded on all sides with 
arcaded galleries, one on every floor, each twelve feet 
wide, and forming in itself a continuous promenade. 
Access to the different suites of rooms is also afforded by 
these promenades. At night the galleries are illumin- 
ated by standard lamps, and present a scene of magnifi- 
cence almost dazzling to behold. The gaslight is re- 
flected a thousand times by the crystal walls on every 
side, and one can easily imagine himself a character in 
the "Arabian Nights' Entertainments" translated by 
some genii, and walking in a castle of fairy loveliness, 
paved with pearls and paneled with diamond plates. 
Even the pavements of tesselated marble seem transpa- 
rent in a brilliancy that is not painful, but comes with 
a mellow, cheerful glow. 

At the right of the main entrance is the ladies' re- 
ception room, a large, sumptuously furnished apart- 
ment, with toilet and writing rooms attached. Across 
the hallway and directly opposite are the reception 
room, parlor, reading and writing rooms for gentle- 
men. The furniture and outfit of these is elegant and 
luxurious. The grand staircase, elevator, club, dining, 
breakfast, telegraph, baggage and coat rooms, are on 
the left side of the Grand Court. Farther on to the left 
are the wine and billiard parlors, and committee rooms, 
barber shop, wash room, and water closets. On the 
41 



THE IiELANDS. 

right of the Grand Court is the ball room and great 
dining room, and in the rear of this is the kitchen, 
with side pantries and fruit, wine and milk coolers. 

The kitchen connects directly with all the dining, 
breakfast and tea rooms, as well as with all the rooms 
belonging to the service department of the house. 
The dining and breakfast rooms and the office have 
windows on three sides, which distribute a flood of 
cheerful and natural light. The decorations of all 
these large apartments deserve a description at length, 
which time and space will not permit in this article. 
They contain tinted walls, with the loveliest hues, pan- 
eled ceilings, frescoes, columns, pilasters, floral, pomo- 
logical and classical designs in the highest style of art 
and in the greatest refinement of taste. 

The dining-room is 165 feet in length, 55 feet in 
width, and 28 feet high. The breakfast-room is 110 
feet long, 55 feet wide, and 28 feet high. A novel 
feature in the consummation of the plan is the arrange- 
ment of twenty stores on Market and New Montgomery 
Streets, whereby each obtains a double frontage, one 
on the street and the other on the arcades within the 
rear of the hotel, thus uniting the street trade of the 
city and the traffic of the hotel guests. On the office 
floor there are 12,000 feet of arcades, each twelve feet 
wide, connecting with all the streets and stores, thus 
constituting a grand bazaar. The pavement is of black 
and white marble tiling, the windows and inclosures 
are of large plate glass, the doors and other carpenter 
work are of solid wood, cabinet finished. The base- 
ment contains the bakery and confectionery depart- 
ments, the store room, the butcher shop, the coal 
cellar, the laundry, ice houses, drying and ironing 
rooms, and other numerous offices indispensable to 
such a vast establishment. On the second story are 
the children's dining room, the ladies' billiard room, 
and a spacious gorgeously decorated and elegantly- 
appointed parlor. The latter has a balcony and portico 
in front, and connects with the arcade gallery and 
Grand Court. In abbreviation and conclusion, the 
edifice is six stories in height ; water is supplied from 
two artesian wells ; there are ample accommodations 
for 1,200 guests ; every room is lighted directly by the 
unimpeded sunshine ; there are no dark rooms either 
in front or rear ; each suite of rooms and nearly all the 
42 



THE LELANDS. 

single rooms nave bath tubs, water closets, basins, and 
wardrobes ; the gas and ice of the house are manufac- 
ture J in the cellar ; it requires 10,000 burners to light 
the birTding ; the ventilation is complete in every re- 
spect, and a separate flue in each department leads 
directly to the roof at its highest point ; there are no 
dark halls, for all the rooms are entered from the 
arcades, all the arcades are open to the sun and air on 
the whole of one side ; each room fronting the street 
has a bay window, and the suites are so isolated as to 
possess the privacy of separate dwellings, and yet by an 
arrangement of double sliding doors any number of 
suites can be joined into one. 

Beyond all these complete adjuncts of the house, one 
more was needed to make it a pronounced success, and 
that was a landlord who should be capable and available. 
He was secured in the person of Mr. Warren Leland, to 
whom Harper's Magazine has alluded as " one of the 
few who have become representative men in this great 
department of our social economy." 

As lessee and working head-centre, he will attract a 
large proportion of the ever-increasing flow of West- 
ward travel ; for his friends (who are legion) seek for 
their hotel accommodation wherever the family name of 
Leland is announced as host. Under the prestige of his 
name and by the skill of his management, this house will 
become one of the most attractive and enjoyable in the 
world. Already it is a grand success, and the future is 
well assured. 

The property is now owned by United States Senator 
William Sharon, one of the most prominent among the 
millionaires of the Pacific coast, a gentleman who is 
esteemed for his public spirit, liberality and kindly feel- 
ings. The entire hotel with its equipments cost over six 
millions of dollars. 

On account of the great increase of foreign, fashiona- 
ble and business travel, requiring more and better hotel 
accommodations, as before stated, the Palace Hotel 
supplies a notable want ; and no expense is spared to 
keep it in the front rank and render it a desirable resort 
for the pleasure seekers from abroad. There are public 
and private receptions, balls and kindred social gather- 
ings, and a band discourses music in the Grand Court 
in the afternoon, and for hops in the evening ; and 
whether the weather be fair or foul, the Court, sheltered 
43 



THE LELANDS. 

above and on every side, presents an inviting and 
cheerful appearance and affords opportunities for plea- 
sant promenades. In this superb edifice, vieing in 
luxury with the grandest hotels of the world and sur- 
passing all in the completeness of its appointments, the 
fashionable people of the East can meet the elite of San 
Francisco society, and form those associations that hold 
a place in the memory for years. 

Such a vast and elaborate establishment as the Palace 
Hotel, requires in the management of its several depart- 
ments gentlemen of the best talent in their profession. 
It is pleasant to remark that it enjoys the services of 
the following named, who have deservedly won the 
best opinions of their employer, as well as the guests 
of the house : Mr. John Cushman, cashier ; Messrs. 
Mort, Main and George Smith, room clerks ; Mr. Van 
Leland, steward ; Mr. George Shaeffer, wine master ; 
Mr. Nathan Randolph, superintendent of the dining- 
room. The last-named gentleman began his hotel 
education at the Metropolitan Hotel, New York, and 
has been connected with the Lelands for over sixteen 
years. 

A considerable reduction in prices has been made at 
this hotel. 

Items of Inteeest. 

Some idea can be formed of the business of the 
Leland transcontinental chain of hotels by a momen- 
tary glance at the enumeration of the various employes 
required in the several departments of each establish- 
ment. Including the office clerks, always on duty, 
night and day, the stewards, cooks, and cooks' assist- 
ants, the porters, engineers, firemen, waiters, hallmen, 
housekeepers, chambermaids, seajnstresses, laundresses, 
scrubbers and cleaners, and scullions, and the watch- 
men, always on duty, night and day, the list is as 
follows : 

Ocean Hotel, Long Branch, - - - - 375 

Sturtevant House, New York, - - - 135 

Delavan House. Albany, - - - - 170 

Clarendon Hotel, Saratoga, ... 150 

Leland Hotel, Springfield, 111. - - - - 120 

Palace Hotel, San Francisco, - - - 400 

Total number of employes, - - - - 1,350 



44 



THE liELAKDS. 

Considering the expense of their board, the amount 
of their wages, the cost of repairs, redecoration, paint- 
ing, and refurnishing, the sums paid for rent, taxes, in- 
surance, fuel, light, stationery, &c, with the grocery, 
fruit, wine, dairy, and market bills, one can imagine 
somewhat of the large capital and enormous outlay 
required for the ordinary operations of this business. 
The daily expenses of these several hotels vary from 
$400 to $1,500. The total valuation of the hotel prop- 
erty occupied by the Lelands exceeds ten millions of 
dollars. 



45 



The Leland Chain of Hotels. 



OCEAN HOTEL, - - - - Long Branch. 



STURTEVANT HOUSE, - - New York. 



DELAVAN HOUSE, - - - Albany. 



CLARENDON HOTEL, - - Saratoga. 



LELAND HOTEL, - - - Springfield, III. 



PALACE HOTEL, - - - San Francisco. 



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